‘I put players first’ – O’Neill disappointed with concerns

April 1, 2026 No Comments

‘I put players first’ – O’Neill disappointed with concernsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is taking on a dual role with Championship side Blackburn Rovers until the end of the seasonByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI Journalist at the Cardiff City StadiumPublished39 minutes agoNorthern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says he is “disappointed” by clubs who raised concerns about his dual role with Blackburn Rovers.Ahead of Northern Ireland’s goalless draw in Wales, the English Football League (EFL) verified they had been contacted by “one or more clubs” regarding the matter but it was not an issue that would be dealt with by them.It comes as a number of Northern Ireland’s squad are vying against O’Neill’s Blackburn Rovers to avoid relegation from the Championship.The 1-1 draw in Cardiff was taking place after Wales and Northern Ireland missed out on World Cup qualification in Thursday’s play-offs.

“I was a little bit disappointed with that because I didn’t get a phone call from any of the managers,” O’Neill reported.

“I didn’t get a phone call from anyone from their respective clubs.

“They felt whatever they decided to do, or what avenue they took to raise their concerns, it’s disappointing given that I’ve managed over 100 international games, and I’ve always put the players first.”

Wales held to flat friendly draw by Northern Ireland
Concerns raised about Blackburn boss O’Neill’s dual role

BBC Radio Oxford reported that Oxford United raised concerns with the EFL, and of the four players from the club that were in the Northern Ireland squad, Brodie Spencer replaced club team-mate Ciaron Brown after 64 minutes.

Goalscorer Jamie Donley was also taken off at the same time, while Jamie McDonnell did not feature.

Of the other relegation rivals, West Brom’s Isaac Price played 45 minutes while Portsmouth’s Terry Devlin was replaced with 10 minutes left.

O’Neill, who reported he “doesn’t have a relationship” with the managers at other clubs that needed to be ironed out, reported he will “always try to protect the players”.

“If I’m honest, I’m a little bit disappointed,” O’Neill added, who reported he would never want Northern Ireland’s players to “affect their club situation”.

“These clubs, they ask for references on players, they ask for character references, level of performance from us and our staff when they want to sign these players.

“They were international players when they signed them. Now suddenly it becomes a bit of an issue that they’re international players.”

‘You can’t question his integrity’

‘We’re punching above our weight’ – O’Neill

Former Northern Ireland international Stuart Dallas reported that O’Neill’s integrity could not be questioned.

Speaking on BBC Sport NI’s coverage of the game, reported it was an “easy” issue to jump on.

“I think one thing you can’t do is question his integrity, you can’t do that,” Dallas reported.

“Michael is experienced and he’s managed his country more than 100 times.

“At the end of the day, it is all well and good when these clubs are getting exposure for having so many players called up.

“If there was something riding in this game tonight, they wouldn’t be complaining.

“Northern Ireland aren’t blessed with a big pool of players. These players are all playing the EFL.

“They play Tuesday and Saturday almost every week, so for me there’s no issue.”

BBC Sport NI pundits debate Michael O’Neill’s dual role

David Healy, who has scored more goals for Northern Ireland than any other male player, reported he understood why there would be questions asked by Rovers’ relegation rivals, but he did not think that O’Neill would jeopardise any of his players.

O’Neill will take charge of Blackburn’s final seven games of the season as he looks to steer Rovers clear of relegation, starting at Birmingham City on Friday and at home to West Brom on Monday.

He reported after the game in Italy that he will return to the “status quo” for June’s friendlies, and he has a contract until 2028 with Northern Ireland.

Going forward, Linfield manager Healy reported he “absolutely hopes” O’Neill leads Northern Ireland into the next campaign, and reported there is “major hope” for the young team going forward.

“When you look at it, Michael has rebuilt over the last couple of years.

“This is a squad full of quality, it’s a squad full of energy. The average age of the group is 22, so it’s only going to get better.

“I don’t see why Michael can’t get the best out of this group.

“He’s a Northern Ireland man through and through and he wants Northern Ireland to be at major finals.”

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